Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that Teesta is an international river and cannot be controlled by any single country as per international laws.
Speaking at a public hearing titled "Actions to be Taken for Teesta" on Sunday afternoon, she mentioned that China has stepped forward to assist Bangladesh in managing the Teesta project.
Regarding negotiations with India, Rizwana Hasan remarked, "Our ministry will continue to raise the Teesta water-sharing issue with India. Teesta experiences flash floods, where water levels suddenly rise. If India informs us in advance before releasing water, we can reduce damage by evacuating people and livestock. There is no justification for withholding such information. What kind of neighbor or friend does not share critical updates like this?"
She urged the Bangladesh government to take responsibility for its citizens and work toward solutions domestically, even if international resolutions take time.
Referring to China's role in the Teesta mega project, Rizwana Hasan said, "In 2016, China proposed a sustainable development plan for Teesta. However, when it was reviewed, they found that the original plan was not viable. China requested two years for proper implementation, and we have granted them this time. However, two conditions must be met: first, the voices of Teesta basin residents must be heard in the planning process, and second, the agreement must be finalized by December of this year."
Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal, who presided over the hearing, said, "I may be from Rajshahi, but I am working in Rangpur, and I want to see a resolution to the Teesta crisis before my tenure ends. The Teesta River is as crucial to Rangpur as the Hoang Ho River was to China, which transformed from a 'river of sorrow' into a blessing after proper planning. Rangpur's Teesta must undergo the same transformation."
Additional Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development, AKM Tariqul Alam, reiterated, "My river, my water, my right. Who has the authority to take away this right? Youngest advisors Asif Mahmud and Rizwana Bannya are here to ensure justice. Many have pointed out issues regarding the land along the Teesta basin. We recognize these problems and will take swift action to ensure fair water distribution."
Former DUCSU leader and National Citizens' Committee Secretary Akhtar Hossain highlighted the suffering of Teesta basin residents. "People here have lost their homes five or six times due to floods. As Rabindranath Tagore once described knee-deep water, the reality here is much worse. For years, people have been given empty promises. By 2025, we demand a concrete solution. A river should be a blessing, not a curse. If India continues to delay, we should take this issue to the international stage."
Kurigram resident Dr. Atik Mozahid declared, "We do not want relief; we want our rightful share of Teesta water. The river must be dredged to restore its natural flow. Past losses should be compensated, and hospitals and clinics should be built in char areas to ensure proper healthcare facilities."
Nilphamari resident Abu Said Leon echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that agricultural losses in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram are devastating each year. "All past talks about Teesta were bogus. What do you plan to do now? We demand transparency."
Lalmonirhat�s Mominul Haque warned, "Teesta has become a death trap for the people of Rangpur region. Past governments deceived the people. The river's condition is as bloated as a fish ready to burst. It destroys everything in its path overnight. Many have fought for Teesta, and today�s hearing is a result of their efforts. No more deception�clear commitments must be made here."
Abdus Salam, a resident of Lalmonirhat, voiced his frustration, saying, "Last time, the autocratic Sheikh Hasina government kept giving us false hopes. We have been deceived for too long. This time, do not betray us again."
He continued, "We have lost our homes, our lands, and our livestock. But no one listens to our cries. We demand justice."
The public hearing was attended by leaders of various Teesta movements, activists from the Rangpur equity movement, political representatives, thousands of Teesta basin residents, and members of the media.
